Renowned
Senegalese marabout has praised The Gambian leader, Adama Barrow for his
foresight and commitment to religious tolerance in the country.

Sheikh
Abdoulie Wilan was speaking during a recent press briefing on the sidelines of
the annual Islamic conference and Gamou held at Taiba Nyissen in Foni Bondali.

“When
I first came to Bondali to settle in the village, I spoke to the chief that all
my reasons to settle here is to learn and teach others the holy Quran. I am
still on that mission. Is not that Gambians did not learn the Quran, but I just
want to contribute my quota to complement their efforts,” he said.

He
commended the President’s wife, Fattoumata Bah-Barrow for reaching out to the
village before the annual Gamou.

“We
appreciate her efforts. I trust the new government because they want to work
for the betterment of Islam and the country. I want to call on government to
help us build the road network between Bondali and Taiba, and to help us
complete our Arabic school with furniture”.

Bakary
Sanyang, the governor of West Coast Region (WCR) commended the renowned Islamic
preacher for his move to stay in his region, saying his coming to the area
would help boost numerous opportunities for both elders and youths.

On
the relations between Senegal and The Gambia, Governor Sanyang affirmed that
the two countries are one and the same people. “We are divided by our colonial
masters, but we share the same languages, culture and religion. We cannot pay
you for teaching the youth and elders about Islamic teachings in the region.”

Babucarr
Cham, a disciple of Sheikh Wilan recalled that Taiba village was founded by
Sheikh in 1999. He indicated that the renowned Senegalese preacher migrated to
The Gambia from Senegal mainly to help in the propagation of Islam.

“He
built the village Madrassa in 2005 to help disseminate the words of the Holy
Quran. He also established more than 200 ‘Darass and 530 Madrassa Schools in
Senegal, The Gambia and Guinea Bissau.”

The
motive behind this move, Cham explained, is the love and devotion Sheikh Wilan
has for the Prophet Muhammed SAW and the Islamic ummah.